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A303 Traffic

Traffic and travel conditions for the a303 22:04pm.

•   A303
• Nearby: A358 A356 A37 A372 A30 A35 A359 A375 A371 A354

There are no current incidents or roadworks on the A303.Drag the map to show traffic incidents in the surrounding area.

Traffic incidents

The following traffic incidents and congestion for A303 have been reported by Highways England, Traffic Scotland, Traffic Wales or Transport for London (TfL) in the last two hours:

A303 Roadworks

The following roadworks have been reported by various highways agencies and official transport sources.Click on a roadworks item to view more details on the traffic map.

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Please remember that it is against the law to use your mobile phone, tablet or any electronic device without a hands-free kit whilst driving.If you're caught by the police using any device that can send or receive data whilst driving or riding a motorcyle you'll get an automatic fixed penalty notice, 6 points on your licence and a fine of £200.A court could also disqualify you from driving.

Elsewhere on the web:

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Except where otherwise noted, content and photographs on this site are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License . Owned, operated and copyright CliqTo Ltd 2024 and Chris Haycock . Registered company number 7575287. Page (A303) cached at 25/04/2024 22:04:10

HELP! Please sign our petition to reinstate the live CCTV traffic camera feeds for the A303

As most of you will have already seen, back in December, National Highways, the government body who control and operate the CCTV cameras on the A303 (and the rest of England) restricted access to their feeds, freezing the images on that date and not allowing third parties like us to give you the access to the latest traffic images you previously enjoyed.

We've been working hard to get this access restored but have unfortunately met with nothing but bureaucratic red tape and a response of "no, because we said so" from National Highways.

Road users in Scotland and Wales don't have this problem; their government bodies put the needs of the public first and have created ways for third-party providers to build fast, helpful services, now used by thousands of UK motorists daily.

The more people that sign, the quicker this can be resolved, so please share!

We have been told by National Highways that the camera feeds for the A303 will be reinstated shortly.

If the images are not updating, please check back later.

Enter a custom name for this camera if required, then click the route you wish to save it to.

Enter a custom name for this Bookmark, or just click save to keep it as it is.

Are you sure you wish to remove this camera from ALL routes? If you only wish to remove this camera from a specific route please Cancel, go to the Route in question and remove it from there.

Latest CCTV traffic image from camera #177 on the A303 road.

Latest CCTV traffic image from camera #178 on the A303 road.

Latest CCTV traffic image from camera #179 on the A303 road.

Latest CCTV traffic image from camera #180 on the A303 road.

Latest CCTV traffic image from camera #181 on the A303 road.

A303 to close this weekend as multi-million dual upgrade continues

T he A303 is set to close in both directions this weekend to allow works to dual the key route to continue. National Highways is currently expanding the route between Sparkford and Ilchester in a bid to ease traffic congestion during busy periods and improve road safety.

In order to allow for National Highways to carry out the next stage of essential work, changes in the layout of the road around the Steart Hill Junction and Gason Lane, known as Wales embankment, are needed.

National Highways needs to move Eastbound traffic onto a lane of the Westbound carriageway at Steart Hill onto Gason Lane before returning to the A303, and Westbound traffic switching to the Westbound carriageway onto Gason Lane, then the Eastbound carriageway of the new A303.

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Weather permitting, the changes will happen under a full weekend closure of the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester, from 9pm on Friday (April 19) and 6am on Monday (April 22). During this closure, access will remain for local residents. A signed diversion will be in place for all other traffic.

Westbound A303 traffic will be directed to join the A359 at Sparkford roundabout, travelling to Yeovil to pick up the A37 and rejoining the A303 north of Ilchester. Eastbound A303 traffic will follow the diversion in reverse.

On an average day, the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester carries 23,500 vehicles but numbers increase significantly in the summer, particularly at weekends, making journeys unreliable and unpredictable.

Siân Hopkins, National Highways’ Senior Project Manager for the A303 Sparkford scheme, said: “We appreciate the A303 is a well-used road, and we are keeping disruption to an absolute minimum. We understand roadworks and changes in road layout can be frustrating, but we’ve communicated the traffic switch well in advance to local communities.

“We’re ensuring access is maintained for residents and businesses, and we’ll be keeping people fully informed as we continue to progress with the scheme. We thank people in advance for their co-operation and patience and in the meantime, we advise drivers to plan ahead and allow a little extra time for their journeys during this work.”

How the A303 will be changed

To ensure the works can be carried out safely, new speed limits will be in place along the section of altered road. These speed limits are in place for the safety of road users and workers on the scheme, and are influenced by the volume of traffic, junctions, the width of the road and its alignment.

Locations where the layout requires traffic to cross between the existing and new carriageway will have a lower speed limit, 30mph instead of 50mph, and will be clearly signed.

This is the second traffic switch for users of the road following changes to the layout in January between Yeovilton Junction and Steart Hill. Users were moved to the eastbound carriageway to allow the westbound carriageway to be built, work that has now been completed, and included the opening of the Steart Hill overbridge.

More traffic switches will take place throughout the year, as the scheme looks towards completion in Winter 2024/25. The A303 Sparkford to Ilchester upgrade will provide a high-quality three-mile dual carriageway link on the A303 in Somerset, including new and replacement slip roads, junctions and road bridges to replace existing junctions and direct access roads.

The new dualled section will start east of Podimore Roundabout, follow the alignment of the existing A303 to Downhead, and then move north of the existing A303 single carriageway, allowing the existing road to be kept for use as a local road in this section.

The route will rise up West Camel Hill before crossing over the existing A303 at the junction with Steart Hill/Howell Hill and meet up with the existing road again between Vale Farm and the Ministry of Defence signal station at Eyewell/Traits Land.

The final section of the route bypasses the existing Hazlegrove Roundabout to the north through the Registered Park and Garden associated with Hazlegrove House, before tying into the existing A303 Sparkford Bypass.

Once completed, the route will make this section of the A303 safer for all users, while protecting the environment by minimising the impact on the surrounding landscape.

The scheme between Sparkford and Ilchester will not only promote economic growth in this area of Somerset, but it will also tackle a long-standing bottleneck, reduce journey times to the South West and improve traffic flows in the area at peak times and during peak seasons.

With construction now into its third year, you can find out more about the scheme on National Highway's website.

Live: A303 reopens after serious crash near Devon border

The crash took place in the early hours of this morning (November 17)

• Updated 13:10, 17 NOV 2023

A stretch of the A303 was closed following a serious crash overnight. It involved a car and a lorry, and took place at around 1.45am this morning (November 17) near the Devon border.

The road was closed in both directions between the A358 for Ilminster and the A356. Avon and Somerset Police officers are at the scene, SomersetLive reports.

National Highways said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) at 5.45am: "The #A303 in #Somerset remains closed in both directions between the #A358 (#Ilminster) and the #A356 due to a serious collision involving a car and a lorry. Police collision investigation works are ongoing."

A303 reopens

Inrix says: "Traffic easing, accident cleared on A303 in both directions from A356 (Prophet's Lane / Crewkerne turn off, Bower Hinton) to A358 (Southfields roundabout, Ilminster).

"The road has re opened before 13:00."

Congestion to diverting traffic

Inrix reports: "A303 in both directions closed, queueing traffic due to recovery work and accident, a car and a lorry involved from A356 (Prophet's Lane / Crewkerne turn off, Bower Hinton) to A358 (Southfields roundabout, Ilminster). Congestion to traffic diverting away through Ilminster."

Specialist crews in attendance

The #A303 remains closed in both directions between the #A358 ( #Ilminster ) and the #A356 following an earlier collision. Specialist crews are in attendance conducting carriageway clear up works. Further information here: https://t.co/rPoUron8rx pic.twitter.com/A2OfHt8n6K — National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) November 17, 2023

A303 remains closed for recovery

The latest Inrix log reads: "A303 in both directions closed due to accident from A356 (Prophet's Lane / Crewkerne turn off, Bower Hinton) to A358 (Southfields roundabout, Ilminster)."

Man rushed to hospital

Avon and Somerset Police say: "We were called at around midnight today (Friday 17 November) to the A303 near South Petherton following a report of a collision between two vehicles, one of which was parked.

"One man was taken to hospital, his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing.

"The road was closed while emergency services attended and vehicles were recovered."

A303 remains closed at rush hour

National Highways says: "The A303 in Somerset is closed in both directions between the A358 (Ilminster) and the A356 due to a serious collision involving a car and a lorry.

"The incident is being led by Avon and Somerset Police who are carrying out collision investigation works. National Highways contractors are also assisting with traffic management."

Inrix adds: "A303 in both directions closed due to accident from A356 (Prophet's Lane / Crewkerne turn off, Bower Hinton) to A358 (Southfields roundabout, Ilminster)."

Traffic map shows closure as delays build

The latest log from Inrix says: "A303 in both directions closed due to accident from A356 (Prophet's Lane / Crewkerne turn off, Bower Hinton) to A358 (Southfields roundabout, Ilminster)."

Map shows where crash took place

The car and lorry crash took place between the A356 (Prophet's Lane / Crewkerne turn off, Bower Hinton) and the A358 (Southfields roundabout, Ilminster).

Diversion in place

Eastbound traffic is being diverted via the solid circle diversion symbol:.

• Exit the A303 eastbound at the A358 junction at Horton Cross near Ilminster
• Join the A358 Cheshay's Hill Road southbound towards Chard
• At the junction with the A30 at Chard, join the A30 eastbound
• Continue on the A30 eastbound until Crewkerne
• Join the A356 northbound and then continue onward to re-join the A303

Westbound traffic is being diverted via the hollow triangle diversion symbol:

• Exit the A303 westbound at the A356 junction
• Join the A356 Prophet's Lane southbound and continue until the junction with the A30 at Crewkerne
• Join the A30 Chard Road westbound
• Continue on the A30 westbound towards Chard, until the junction with the A358
• Join the A358 Furnham Road northbound and continue onward to then re-join the A30 westbound at Horton Cross

Inrix latest

Traffic monitoring site Inrix says: "A303 in both directions closed due to accident from A356 (Prophet's Lane / Crewkerne turn off, Bower Hinton) to A358 (Southfields roundabout, Ilminster)."

A303 closed both ways

The #A303 in #Somerset remains closed in both directions between the #A358 ( #Ilminster ) and the #A356 due to a serious collision involving a car and a lorry. Police collision investigation works are ongoing. Diversion route info here: https://t.co/sq5MKoso5C pic.twitter.com/Ki2mfV0Kdv — National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) November 17, 2023

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Wiltshire traffic LIVE: M4, M5, A303, A36 and more travel updates as delays expected amid Bank Holiday getaway

If it's happening somewhere across the county, you will hear it here first

• Updated 20:36, 29 APR 2022

Welcome to WiltshireLive 's breaking news feed for traffic and travel across the county's major routes today (Friday, April 29) ahead of the Bank Holiday getaway. Traffic is expected to be busy on Wiltshire's key routes today and throughout the weekend as drivers and holidaymakers travel to the county to enjoy the extended weekend.

Roads around big tourist areas are set to be busy and motorists are being advised to allow plenty of journey time.

If it's happening somewhere across the county, you will hear it here first. If it's happening in the wider world and we think you'll be interested, this is where you will find it.

We will keep you up to date on the latest traffic and travel news of Wiltshire's major routes including the M4, A303, A36 and all you need to know.

This is a live story. Further updates will be added to our live blog below. You can contact us on [email protected] or tweet us at @Wiltshire_Live.

You can stay up to date on the top news near you with WiltshireLive's FREE newsletters – enter your email address at the top of the page or sign up to our newsletters here .

• No further updates 20:36
• A345 Castle Road blocked in both directions 17:52
• Get the latest breaking news for free 15:40
• Swindon route closed due to crash 10:02

No further updates

The traffic seems to have died down for this evening. Check back on the site tomorrow for more breaking travel news over the holiday weekend.

A345 Castle Road still blocked in both directions

According to INRIX, this incident is still causing traffic problems tonight.

A345 Castle Road in both directions partially blocked, queueing traffic due to accident at Stratford Road. Congestion to Waitrose Turn Off and also back to St Marks Roundabout. Between Victoria Park and Castle Roundabout."

A345 Castle Road blocked in both directions

An update from traffic news service INRIX. It says:

Get the latest breaking news for free

Latest traffic news.

Very slow traffic on A350 in both directions at Westlands Lane. In the roadworks area. Temporary traffic lights are in operation for today only.

Very slow traffic on A363 Silver Street Southbound at B3107. In the roadworks area. Temporary traffic lights in operation.

M5 closed in both directions

The M5 is closed in both directions causing long delays. Follow our live updates on that incident in our live blog here.

M4 and A303 delays - latest Wiltshire travel updates

Inrix has shared the following updates:

Queueing traffic due to holiday traffic on M4 Westbound around J19 M32 (Bristol). Travel time is around 10 minutes.

Queueing traffic on A303 Westbound at Stonehenge. Travel time is around 10 minutes.

Heavy traffic on A350 in both directions at Westlands Lane. In the roadworks area. Temporary traffic lights are in operation for today only.

Queueing traffic on A361 Bath Road Westbound at A342 Dunkirk Hill. Congestion to the petrol station on London Road. There are also queues through Devizes town centre and on A360 Potterne Road. Travel time is around 20 minutes. In the roadworks area. Temporary traffic lights in operation for today only.

'Gridlock' in Devizes

Drivers in Devizes have reported "massive gridlock" across the town due to roadworks and increased traffic.

Slow traffic in Bradford on Avon

Route still closed.

A4313 Ocotal Way in both directions closed, slow traffic due to accident, two vehicles involved from Colbourne Street to A4259 County Road.

A303 delays

Queueing traffic on A303 in both directions from A36 (Deptford / Codford turn off, Deptford) to A345 Countess Road (Countess roundabout, Amesbury ). In patches.

Traffic following crash

Queueing traffic on A350 in both directions at Westlands Lane. In the roadworks area. Temporary traffic lights are in operation for today only.

Swindon route closed due to crash

A busy route in Swindon is currently closed in both directions following a crash today (Friday, April 29). The collison, first reported after 9am today, has occurred on A4313 Ocotal Way near to the junction for Shrivenham Road.

Read more below:

Welcome to the blog!

Hello and welcome to our travel blog as we cover the latest traffic and travel news in Wiltshire and beyond. Make sure you get in touch in case you spot any delays!

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Traffic & Travel

Latest traffic and travel updates for Hampshire, including the M3, M27 and A303 plus rail, bus and flight information

Live Travel Updates, Congestion Reports

A30 Traffic News, Roadworks and Accidents

If you are planning to travel on the A30 road, you need to be aware of the traffic conditions and updates on this major route.

Live A30 Congestion Reports

Traffic delays for the A30 road in South West England. Latest travel news from official UK Traffic Delays open data sources.

A30 Accident Updates

Westbound a30 roadworks and delays, a30 westbound between a303 and a35 | westbound | road works | devon, a30 westbound between a390 and a3047 near redruth (east) | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound between a388 near launceston (central) and a388 near launceston (west) | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound within the a3047 near redruth (west) junction | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound between a39 near newquay (west) and a390 | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound within the a3058 junction | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound within the b3260 near okehampton (east) junction | westbound | road works | devon, a30 westbound within the a3047 near camborne (west) junction | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound between a3047 near camborne (east) and a3047 near camborne (west) | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound between a3047 near camborne (west) and b3301 | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound between a394 and penzance | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound between a382 and b3260 near okehampton (east) | westbound | road works | devon, a30 westbound between a391 near bodmin (west) and a39 near newquay (east) | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound exit for a3058 | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound exit for b3275 | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound within the a39 near newquay (east) junction | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound access from b3275 | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound exit for a3076 | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound within the a3076 junction | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound exit for a386 | westbound | road works | devon, a30 westbound exit at a minor junction between a395 and a389 near bodmin (east) | westbound | road works | cornwall, a30 westbound between a395 and a389 near bodmin (east) | westbound | road works | cornwall.

Avoid A30 roadworks and traffic congestion on the UK’s major roads and motorways.

Eastbound A30 Roadworks and Delays

A30 eastbound between a35 and a303 | eastbound | road works | devon, a30 eastbound between a382 and a377 | eastbound | road works | devon, a30 eastbound between a390 and a39 near newquay (west) | eastbound | road works | cornwall, a30 eastbound between a3047 near redruth (west) and a3047 near redruth (east) | eastbound | road works | cornwall, a30 eastbound within the a3047 near redruth (west) junction | eastbound | road works | cornwall, a30 eastbound between a3076 and a3058 | eastbound | road works | cornwall, a30 eastbound exit for a386 | eastbound | road works | devon, a30 eastbound between b3260 near okehampton (east) and a382 | eastbound | road works | devon, a30 eastbound between penzance and a394 | eastbound | road works | cornwall, a30 eastbound between a3047 near camborne (west) and a3047 near camborne (east) | eastbound | road works | cornwall, a30 eastbound exit for a3047 near camborne (west) | eastbound | road works | cornwall, a30 traffic flow map.

Live traffic flow information. Avoid travel congestion and plan a smarter route.

Traffic delay information supplied by UK Traffic Delays. The latest traffic reports, roadworks and travel news for the A30 road in England. Our travel news is as up to date as possible but please do always check with local radio news sources and always allow plenty of time for your A30 journey.

UK Traffic Delays is a reliable source of updated UK travel information. National Highways data obtained under open licence. London travel information is used under license from TfL: Powered by TfL Open Data .

Our website contains public sector travel information licensed under the: Open Government Licence v3.0 .

Please Leave a Comment

5 thoughts on “a30 traffic news, roadworks and accidents”.

Our much beloved Queen Elizabeth 11 traveled this on her final journey to join Prince Phillip at Windsor castle.xx

A30 surfacing west of Crewkerne. A shambles with traffic control, traffic stopped back to Crewkerne town centre westbound (mile and a half) and at least 1 mile eastbound. This road was scheduled to be closed on 23rd when in fact no works were carried out and which users were obviously expecting. The delays on this extremely busy road at this extremely busy time are entirely unacceptable, not least without any warning: a) the road surface did not need any repair at all, b) spraying tar and covering with a layer of chips in hot weather is a complete waste of time and money and leads to damage to vehicles from chips and tar. c) this type of treatment has never achieved any lasting improvement to the surface. d) with at least 100 vehicles at any one time sitting for some 40 minutes or more, the cost in fuel and CO2 and time wasted is unbelievable. This entire excercise will have achieved nothing whatsoever except to waste a large amount of time and money. There are many roads in this county which DO require attention which they are not getting and the A30 at this point is not one of them.

I asked for traffic on the A303. You showed me the A30!

A30 is a nightmare, have been stuck an hour now and not moving!! We continued on our journey after reading you report had been quoting a 10 min delay!! Kindly update this info for other road users.

Major accident Avers Roundabout A30 Cornwall. Traffic at a standstill. 17:00 7th July 2020

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Watch CBS News

Man dies after setting himself on fire near Trump trial courthouse in NYC

By Graham Kates , Pat Milton , Jericka Duncan

Updated on: April 20, 2024 / 8:38 PM EDT / CBS News

A man who set himself on fire outside the New York City courthouse where former President Donald Trump's hush money trial is underway has died, police said. 

Witnesses said that they saw the man — identified by the New York Police Department as 37-year-old Max Azzarello — pour liquid over his head and set himself on fire at 1:39 p.m. local time on Friday. 

In a briefing immediately after the incident, the NYPD said Azzarello, a Florida resident who had arrived in New York City earlier in the week, walked into Collect Pond Park, opened a book bag, and scattered papers and pamphlets on the ground before setting himself ablaze. Police described the materials as "like a conspiracy-theory type of pamphlet." 

Azzarello then fell on a police barrier. Civilians and court officers used coats and extinguishers to try to put out the fire, the NYPD said, and the New York City Fire Department responded, finally extinguishing the fire. 

The FDNY said that Azzarello was transported to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, which has a burn center, in critical condition. 

The NYPD confirmed to CBS News overnight that Azzarello had died on Friday night. 

Four officers who responded to the fire suffered minor injuries.

Azzarello had posted a statement on social media, officials said. Although the incident took place close to the court where Trump's trial is taking place, officials said Azzarello did not appear to be targeting any particular person or group and added that he seemed to be a conspiracy theorist.

One witness described pamphlets that Azzarello threw, apparently while making allegations about New York University.

 "I heard this clattering, and it was those papers that he had flung up in the air," the witness said. "That caught our attention and — caught my attention, anyway ... then he pulled out a can and he poured it over himself. And at that point, I thought, 'Oh ... this is gonna be awful." 

"It happened so fast — what do you do?" another witness said. 

Graham Kates is an investigative reporter covering criminal justice, privacy issues and information security for CBS News Digital. Contact Graham at [email protected] or [email protected]

More from CBS News

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Divided Supreme Court appears open to some immunity for president's official acts

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EU proposes youth mobility agreement with UK to help youngsters travel, work and live in both areas

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses a media conference at the conclusion of an EU Summit in Brussels, Friday, March 22, 2024. European Union leaders on Friday discussed plans to boost investment and the economy. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

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BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Commission proposed Thursday to start negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.'s departure from the EU four years ago.

According to the EU, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU following a referendum in 2016 has damaged mobility between the two areas.

“This situation has particularly affected the opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel and to benefit from youth, cultural, educational, research and training exchanges,” the Commission said.

When the U.K. was still a member of the economic and political bloc, its nationals had the right to live and work freely in the EU, with reciprocity for EU nationals in the U.K. Under the agreement proposed by the EU’s executive arm, EU and UK citizens between 18 and 30 years old would be eligible to stay up to four years in the destination country.

The deal would also allow equal treatment of EU and UK students in the field of university tuition fees. Most EU students must now pay international tuition fees if they want to study in the U.K. The Commission says these vary between 11,400 and 38,000 pounds ($14,200-$47,300) per year and are a strong deterrent for EU students who generally don’t have to pay as much within the bloc.

The Commission’s recommendation will be discussed by EU member countries who must give the green light before the executive arm can start negotiations with the UK.

“We have successful Youth Mobility Schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including EU member states,” the British government said in a statement.

The U.K. has its own Youth Mobility Scheme, which it has offered to some EU member states. The Commission believes the British plan is less ambitious than its own proposal.

“Our agreements provide a valuable route for cultural exchanges providing partner countries are also willing to offer the same opportunities for young British people,” the British government added.

Follow AP’s coverage of Brexit at https://apnews.com/hub/brexit

Airlines required to refund passengers for canceled, delayed flights

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the new rules Wednesday.

Good news for airline travelers: the Department of Transportation on Wednesday announced it is rolling out new rules that will require airlines to automatically give cash refunds to passengers for canceled and significantly delayed flights.

"This is a big day for America's flying public," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at a Wednesday morning news conference. Buttigieg said the new rules -- which require prompt refunds -- are the biggest expansion of passenger rights in the department's history.

Airlines can no longer decide how long a delay must be before a refund is issued. Under the new DOT rules, the delays covered would be more than three hours for domestic flights and more than six hours for international flights, the agency said.

MORE: Amid Boeing safety probe, clock ticks on effort to disclose details of 2021 DOJ deal over 737 Max crashes

This includes tickets purchased directly from airlines, travel agents and third-party sites such as Expedia and Travelocity.

The DOT rules lay out that passengers will be "entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered."

DOT will also require airlines to give cash refunds if your bags are lost and not delivered within 12 hours.

The refunds must be issued within seven days, according to the new DOT rules, and must be in cash unless the passenger chooses another form of compensation. Airlines can no longer issue refunds in forms of vouchers or credits when consumers are entitled to receive cash.

Airlines will have six months to comply with the new rules.

"Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them -- without headaches or haggling," Buttigieg said in a statement.

The DOT said it is also working on rules related to family seating fees, enhancing rights for wheelchair-traveling passengers for safe and dignified travel and mandating compensation and amenities if flights are delayed or canceled by airlines.

Buttigieg said the DOT is also protecting airline passengers from being surprised by hidden fees -- a move he estimates will have Americans billions of dollars every year.

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The DOT rules include that passengers will receive refunds for extra services paid for and not provided, such as Wi-Fi, seat selection or inflight entertainment.

The rules come after the agency handed Southwest Airlines a record $140 million fine for its operational meltdown during the 2022 holiday travel season.

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Buttigieg said Southwest's fine sets a "new standard" for airlines and passenger rights.

"To be clear, we want the airline sector to thrive. It is why we put so much into helping them survive the pandemic and honestly it's why we're being so rigorous on passenger protection," he said.

Buttigieg reiterated that refund requirements are already the standard for airlines, but the new DOT rules hold the airlines to account and makes sure passengers get the "refunds that are owed to them."

"Airlines are not enthusiastic about us holding them to a higher standard," Buttigieg said, adding that he "knows they will be able to adapt to this."

Airlines for America, the trade association for the country's leading passenger and cargo airlines, told ABC News in a statement that its members "offer a range of options -- including fully refundable fares." Is said consumers are "given the choice of refundable ticket options with terms and conditions that best fit their needs at first search results."

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023 nearly $11 billion in refunds just last year.

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